Who Is on the Dime? History and Facts

If you have ever wondered who is on the dime, the answer is Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States. His portrait has appeared on the U.S. dime since 1946.

Roosevelt was chosen for the dime because of his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II, and because of his strong connection to the fight against polio through the March of Dimes campaign.

In this guide, you will learn who is on the dime, why he appears there, when the design started, and a few surprising facts about this small but important coin.

Who Is on the Dime Right Now?

The person on the front of the modern U.S. dime is Franklin Delano Roosevelt, often called FDR.

The dime features:

• Front (obverse): Franklin D. Roosevelt
• Back (reverse): A torch, olive branch, and oak branch on the traditional Roosevelt dime design

The U.S. Mint first released the Roosevelt dime in 1946, shortly after Roosevelt’s death in 1945.

Why Is Franklin D. Roosevelt on the Dime?

Franklin D. Roosevelt is on the dime for two main reasons.

1. He was one of the most important U.S. presidents

Roosevelt led the United States through two of the most difficult periods in American history:

• The Great Depression
• World War II

He served four terms as president, longer than any other U.S. president.

2. He had a personal connection to the March of Dimes

Roosevelt developed polio, a disease that affected his ability to walk. Because of that experience, he became deeply involved in efforts to fight the disease.

The organization known as the March of Dimes raised money to combat polio. Since “dimes” were central to that campaign, placing Roosevelt on the dime became a meaningful tribute after his death.

When Did Roosevelt First Appear on the Dime?

Roosevelt first appeared on the dime in 1946.

Before that, the dime featured the Mercury dime, which was minted from 1916 to 1945. Many people still confuse the older Mercury dime with a coin showing the Roman god Mercury, but the image is actually Liberty wearing a winged cap.

So if you are asking who is on the dime today, it is Roosevelt. If you are looking at older dimes, the design may be different.

Who Was on the Dime Before Roosevelt?

Before Franklin D. Roosevelt, the most famous earlier design was the Mercury dime.

The Mercury dime:

• Was produced from 1916 to 1945
• Shows Lady Liberty, not Mercury
• Is one of the most collectible U.S. dimes

Even earlier U.S. dimes featured other symbolic figures, especially representations of Liberty rather than real historical people.

What Is on the Back of the Dime?

On the traditional Roosevelt dime, the back includes three symbols:

• A torch, representing liberty
• An olive branch, representing peace
• An oak branch, representing strength and independence

These symbols were chosen to reflect American values.

Is Roosevelt Still on the Dime?

Yes, Franklin D. Roosevelt is still on the dime.

Although the design has had minor updates over the years, Roosevelt remains the face of the coin. If you find a regular U.S. dime in circulation today, you will see Roosevelt on the front.

How Much Is a Dime Worth?

A dime is worth 10 cents, or one-tenth of a dollar (face value, rare examples can be worth thousands of dollars).

It is one of the smallest U.S. coins in size, but it plays a big role in everyday transactions and coin collecting.

Are Any Roosevelt Dimes Valuable?

Most Roosevelt dimes in circulation are worth face value, which is 10 cents. However, some can be worth more if they have:

• Silver content
• Rare mint errors
• Low mintage years
• Proof or uncirculated condition

For example, Roosevelt dimes minted before 1965 were made of 90% silver, which can make them worth more than face value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Roosevelt on every dime?

On modern U.S. dimes, yes. Older dimes featured different designs.

Why was Roosevelt chosen instead of another president?

He was honored for both his presidential legacy and his support of polio research through the March of Dimes.

Who is on the dime before Roosevelt?

The previous famous design was the Mercury dime, which actually shows Liberty.

Is the dime the smallest U.S. coin?

No. The dime is the smallest in diameter, but not the lightest-looking to everyone at first glance.

So, who is on the dime? The answer is Franklin D. Roosevelt. His image has been on the coin for decades, and the reason goes beyond politics. It connects presidential history, public service, and one of the most famous health fundraising campaigns in American history.

The next time you look at a dime, you will know exactly whose face you are seeing and why it matters.